Enar Cabul

I am studying Level 1 Bookkeeping, Payroll and Environmental Sustainability at WAES. I found WAES by chance on Facebook. It appeared on my timeline, and I thought it’s interesting, and it was in a moment of time in my life when I was not working because of some health issues. I felt this is something I can do once or twice a week. The course is in person, and I thought that this is a brilliant opportunity. At first, I was a bit reticent about the tax pay but then I came here, and a member from the admissions team said that because I’m unemployed, I don’t have to pay which made me relieved.  

Before starting my course, I worked for 20 something years in construction as a bookkeeper but never in the UK only in my home country of Romania and some parts of Turkey and Germany. I came to the UK in 2019, I wanted a new lifestyle but to be honest I wasn’t intending on staying for long, but I ended up meeting someone in my life. 

I applied for the course because accounting is something I’m familiar with even though it’s a different system some of the processes are similar and I have some understanding I’m not starting from scratch. The opportunity to study this course fits like a glove!   

The teacher, Corrie Brennan, is so sweet. She’s very helpful, always, very nice. We all feel very relaxed in her classroom. As a student of representative chosen by the group I feel it’s necessary to get their views across to WAES staff. I attend the learner forums and I hope in the future, this will change.  

My greatest achievement at WAES so far is that I feel more integrated into British culture socially by attending this course with like-minded individuals. I thought that because of my age, 50, it will be very hard for me, plus the course is in English which isn’t my first language but turns out I able to adapt quickly.  

Here at WAES we also have the chance to have a one-to-one session with a career’s advisor. I have spoken to Pia from the Careers and Learner Development Team, and I trust that she will help me, she already told me that my CV was outdated, I didn’t really think of that. But now with my WAES qualifications on my CV, I am sure it will be a better chance for me to find a better job. 

WAES offers opportunites such as being a Digital Ambassador, which I am currently a volunteer as. I already saw there were colleagues older than me who had difficulties using the computer at first, I didn’t think I could help them, but Regina was very encouraging I had a little taster to see what issues would arise and I was able to help after all. So, I said yes to the position. The people I help are very grateful which gives me motivation to continue it’s so fulfilling, and I feel like I’m giving back in return for a free course at WAES. Pia told me I could add this experience to my CV which is something I never knew I could do to be honest.  

If you are looking to continue your studies then go for it for sure. I was uncomfortable at first because of my age and but when I started here, the atmosphere and energy from my group and staff was very friendly.